BLOOMINGTON – Few Indiana University football players were as shaken by a coaching change as Kofi Hughes.

The former Cathedral High School quarterback was recruited by Bill Lynch, welcomed Lynch into his home, thought he would play four years under him.

Hughes and Indiana coach Kevin Wilson have been candid in saying the transition was bumpy when Lynch was fired after the 2010 season. Now Hughes and his small band of senior classmates are credited by Wilson with laying a foundation for whatever success follows.

"That was a really, really hard thing to overcome," Hughes said of the coaching change. "We've grown so much. My relationship with coach Wilson has grown so much."

Hughes will be one of 21 seniors recognized at Saturday's finale against Purdue. Some are fourth-year juniors who could have returned for another season but declined to do so, Wilson announced Monday.

Wilson said Jack Harbaugh, a longtime former coach and father of NFL coaches John and Jim, attended a practice last week and said it was as spirited as any late-season, midweek workout he had seen in years. Indiana's seniors were largely responsible.

"I will draw back to this crowd about as much as any because of what they went through and their ability to hang in there and stay with us and believe and buy in and give us a great go," Wilson said. "This has been one of my most successful years in relationships with guys. Because I think our guys have got what we're trying to do."

Hughes, who switched from QB to wide receiver in college, caught a career-high nine passes for 120 yards in last week's 42-14 loss at No. 3 Ohio State. He ranks ninth in IU history in career receptions (129) and yards (1,902). Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell said he considers Hughes an NFL prospect.

Hughes said he feels a bond with classmates because of what they endured together: new staff, player defections, a 1-11 season two years ago, disappointment of falling short of a bowl game this year. He said the Hoosiers have developed a culture of accountability and high standards.

"Behind the scenes, we really have left a legacy here," Hughes said.

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Senior WR Kofi Hughes talks about his IU career and game against Purdue.

The influence extends beyond the seniors, Hughes said. When he arrived on campus, seniors on the team didn't interact with freshmen much. There are no such barriers any more, he said.

"But now, seniors talk to freshmen. Freshmen will hang out with juniors," Hughes said. "That's what I really love about this team. It really is a family."

Mallory: Focus is on Purdue

Defensive coordinator Doug Mallory said he hasn't spoken to Wilson about his future on the staff. Mallory directs a defense that is on the verge of setting an all-time Big Ten record for most yards allowed.

"Whatever has happened in the past has happened in the past. One-game season right now," Mallory said. "Reality is, a lot of things have happened in this season that we're disappointed with.

DT Ralphael Green was chosen Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week, sharing the award with Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg. Against Ohio State, Green had his first sack and forced fumble and was in on six tackles. ... LB Chase Hoobler, who has 12 career starts, was among the players declining to return for another year, Wilson said. Hoobler was sidelined all season by a stress fracture. Wilson said redshirt juniors not returning are on track to graduate. ... Top rusher Tevin Coleman has missed two games because of an ankle sprain and is uncertain for Purdue. ... IU opponents are 65-27 (.707), giving the Hoosiers the nation's second-most difficult schedule, according to the NCAA. The seven teams that beat Indiana are a collective 62-15 (.805).

Call Star reporter David Woods at (317) 444-6195 and follow him on Twitter, @DavidWoods007.